Why is XG actually so good?

lmao i became one too recently

yeahh theyre more talented than all my faves combined minus a few exceptions bc im biased

I think they had some issues when their CEO tried to distance themselves from kpop by making these remarks

"

Just because we are working with Korean producers don’t mean the group is working with a Korean label.
Everyone is Japanese. It isn’t like K-Pop. It’s more like American.
I am emphatically saying everyone is Japanese.
We worked with Korean producers, but we just used Korean producers. All rights belong to Avex."

Why do we have to lose to Koreans? The Japanese can do it also.
Even Koreans sent a singer like BoA to Japan to mimic us.
Since we were on the losing side, we asked to work with Korean producers, and we did it.

— Matsuura Masato

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think those remarks stalled some of their progress in Korea. I believe they have recovered from that, but that might be a major reason why they aren't getting recognition in some circles

Talent wise they're one of the most talented group, and their singing line and rap line is much better than most kpop groups. They must have a different training system than the standard kpop training because they're well rounded in all areas . I think them working with kpop, american rap and r&b trainers and producers helps them a lot in being well rounded.

Their entire discography is worth a listen because they have so many great songs. They're also going to get a lot of recognition next year when they perform at Coachella.

Even as a diehard baemon stan I'm willing to acknowledge Wake Up >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Clik Clak and that's just something I have to live with. I don't think any kpop group could do a full rap song better than that, both in delivery and lyrically.

They have easily been my most favorite discovery in kpop this year, as I had not listened to them prior. And as you said, they just release straight bangers. Shooting Star and Left Right consumed me but I also played the shit out of Puppet Show, Something Ain't Right, New Dance, and Woke Up. They just have a lot of really good songs. Winter Without You is also really good. Also every cover they do, I was obsessed with their Peaches and Losing You cover.

I think they aren't popular in SK at least because they have no Korean members and all their songs are entirely English. Really other than the fact that they promote/operate like a kpop group, they really are more of a global group and brand themselves as such. So even though I think it's fine that they are discussed in kpop spaces, I don't know if I'd be willing to argue that they are a kpop group.

But I still feel they should be bigger overall, their songs are just so good and they are excellent performers, they really do put all of our faves to shame. I'd watch their formation/trainee documentary if you haven't, it's great. Long story short, there's probably a timeline where I'm a hardcore XG stan instead of baemon, but I do really like them.